Baker Company donates funds to YMCA expansion

SANFORD — The Sanford-Springvale YMCA has received a generous donation of $10,000 from The Baker Company, Inc., to help support the Y’s expansion project.

David Eagleson, the president of The Baker Company, explained to the YMCA what inspired him and his company to contribute.

“The work that you do for the community is outstanding and invaluable, and we believe that when your new facility is finished you will be able to do even more of it. It benefits our employees, and the community at large,” he said.

The Sanford — Springvale YMCA has been providing valuable programs and services to the communities for 73 years. Through the vision and commitment of community leaders, the current facility’s doors were opened in 1979. This allowed the Y to expand its mission to enhance the lives of those who lived in Sanford-Springvale and the surrounding communities. In the early 2000s, however, the need for more space became apparent, so a new plan was developed to expand the facility.

With $2 million raised, the organization was able to break ground on the expansion in 2010. In the past year, the YMCA has raised $280,000 and is continuing fundraising efforts for an additional $1.7 million to finish the first phase of the project.

“We are on the home stretch toward completing phase one. We cannot express enough how appreciative we are of all who have given to our expansion and to Baker Company for stepping up a second time to show their ongoing support and belief in the mission of the YMCA,” said John Roux, the YMCA’s campaign chairman.

Recently, a donor has challenged the Y to raise $50,000 before the year’s end. This philanthropic individual will donate $1,000 to the YMCA for every $10,000 raised.

“In the past three weeks we have raised over $15,000,” said YMCA Executive Director Andy Orazio. “Every dollar invested will help the YMCA to continue to put the unity in community.”